Dog sun hats are a protective yet adorable dog cooling product. They'll shield your dog's sensitive areas, like their nose and eyes, from the sun's UV rays and protect them from the uncomfortable effects of sun exposure. Plus, they are an accessory that will have them the envy of all their little doggy friends.
While items like dog cooling mats and vests will help to bring their temperature down, dog sun hats will keep the sun out of their face to reduce the risk of any sunburn. Yes, that's right, it's not just us that have to deal with being sunburnt. While their fur adds a layer of protection against harmful UV rays, it doesn't block them completely so your canine companion is still at risk of sun damage. Especially those hounds with lighter and white coloured coats and shorter fur.
Best dog sun hat at a glance:
• Best dog sun hat: Pawaboo Dog Baseball Cap - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best dog and owner sun hat set: Pawaboo 2PC Owner and Dog Hat Set - View offer on Amazon UK
• Best baseball-style dog sun hat: leconpet Baseball Caps - View offer on Amazon UK
• Prettiest dog sun hat: UEETEK Pet Dog Canvas Hat - View offer on Amazon UK
As much as our pooches love basking in the glorious sunshine, too much time in the sun isn't good for them. When temperatures are in their 20s, 30s and even 40s as we've previously seen in the UK, dogs can quickly overheat. Sunstroke in dogs is particularly dangerous and can even be fatal in some cases. That's why it's important to provide your hound with plenty of shade and keep them as protected as possible.
When choosing a sun hat for your dog, you'll want to make sure you pick one that's made from lightweight, breathable material. This way, it won't feel uncomfortable for your pooch to wear and also makes sure that heat can escape from their head. You'll also want to avoid choosing dark colours as they can attract heat and make your hound feel hotter. To help you with your choice, we've searched the web for all the best dog sun hats that not only will do a great job of sheltering your pooch's face from the sun but will have them looking absolutely fabulous, too.
Protective and adorable dog sun hats
Best dog sun hat
AmazonWith a choice of eight colours and four sizes, it's easy to see why the Pawaboo Dog Baseball Cap is a number one best seller on Amazon. The brim is designed to wrap around your dog's forehead to protect your pooch from the sun's rays and is made with a 100 per cent cotton canvas lining that is durable and breathable.
Customer review: "Perfect for my senior chihuahua! Small fits very small breeds so would recommend others to buy a size up. BUT I love it! Good quality and saves my boys head from the sun (especially as he is white! And prone to burning!) And means he can enjoy the spring sunshine without having to squint! Very happy!"
Pros
- Range of colours and sizes
- Has an adjustable strap for a more secure fit
Cons
- Reviewers have reported the hats come up small so may not be suitable for larger breeds
Best dog and owner sun hat set
AmazonAnother option from Pawaboo is the Pawaboo 2PC Owner and Dog Hat Set, which comes with a hat for both doggo and paw-rent so you can coordinate your summer styling. The dog version has holes for your pet's ears to poke through and an adjustable non-elastic chin strap so you can get the perfect fit for your pooch.
Customer review: "Shades eyes from strong sun. Did not realise it came with an adult cap. Bargain!"
Pros
- Matching caps for dogs and humans
- Made from a durable and breathable cotton
Cons
- Dog hat is a little on the small side so you may need to size up
Best baseball-style dog sun hat
AmazonYour pooch will look and feel cool wearing one of the leconpet Baseball Caps. From vibrant colours such as orange, red and blue, to bold prints like leopard and camouflage, there's a style to suit every pup's personality. The adjustable strap on this cap adjusts behind your dog's head rather than under their chin.
Customer review: "Well Made, comfortable around the ears, they look so cute on too."
Pros
- Adjustable fit
- Choice of colours
Cons
- One reviewer found their hat to be a little wide for their pooch
Prettiest dog sun hat
AmazonWith its gorgeous purple floral design and polka dot trim, this UEETEK Pet Dog Canvas Hat definitely wins on style and your dog will look super cute while wearing it. It has a wide brim that will not only protect your dog's eyes against direct exposure to sunlight but also offer shading around their entire head.
Customer review: "Lovely hat and fits like a dream on my whippet, Sienna. So cute, she seems comfortable and it doesn’t move around. Well made and light weight. Ears fit into holes perfectly and under chin cord that can be tightened to fit. Great service and a lovely email communication with the supplier. Recommended 🥰"
Pros
- Crafted from a soft yet durable fabric
- Adjustable chin strap
Cons
- One size and colour
Best personalised dog hat
Etsywww.etsy.com
This Personalised Dog Hat is handmade by a small business on Etsy. The outer layer is made from an Oxford fabric, with a soft inner lining, which makes the hat both breathable and lightweight. You can pick the colour of the cap, the font and the colour of the thread used for the personalisation.
Customer review: "Good quality and nice colours. These caps suit my dogs perfectly well. I did appreciate fast delivery!"
Pros
- Breathable and lightweight
- Soft lining
Cons
- Price varies on font option
Best bucket-style dog sun hat
Etsywww.etsy.com
We love the funky tie-dye design of these Summer Dog Bucket Hats from seller 'Pupsurewin' on Etsy. Whether you're relaxing together in the garden or lying back on the beach, your pooch can enjoy all outdoor adventures without the sun being in their face. There's an adjustable strap under the chin to help keep the hat on your pup's head.
Customer review: "This little hat is just precious. My son’s little yorkie looks so handsome in it and everyone asks about it when he is out with it on."
Pros
- Choice of funky tie-dye colours available
- Large brim
Cons
- Sizing may be a bit confusing to work out
Best luxury dog sun hat
Outdoor And Countrywww.outdoorandcountry.co.uk
Did you know that heritage and outdoor lifestyle clothing brand Barbour also has an entire range catering to our canine companions? This Barbour Dog Cascade Cap is perfect for those pups who enjoy the finer things in life, with the Barbour branding sitting pride of place on the front of the cap. It features cut-out side sections for a comfortable fit around the ears.
Pros
- Adjustable back strap
- Functional and fashionable
Cons
- Peak only at the front so only offers sun protection to the front of the face and not for the whole head
FAQs
Do dogs need a hat in the sun?
First and foremost, a dog sun hat will offer your dog protection from the effects of the sun's rays. Just like we wear a sun hat keep our face and eyes out of the sun, this will allow your dog to do the same. This paired with other sun-protecting products, such as a dog sun shade, will reduce their risk of sunburn as well as their exposure to UV rays. Not to mention, hats are a fashion statement that will make your pooch look totally adorable.
However, not all dogs like to wear hats and clothes so you shouldn't force them to wear one if it's something they're visibly uncomfortable with. Take note of their body language as you will be able to tell if your dog isn't happy with one on their head.
What can you do to ensure your dog stays cool in the summer?
We've got some tips from RSPCA that you can take to make sure your dog stays as cool as can be in warmer weather spells.
DO
• Use pet-safe SPF on exposed parts of your pet's skin, such as the tips of their ears and nose, to avoid sunburn. This is especially important if your dog has white or light-coloured fur, as they can be very vulnerable to getting burnt. If you're unsure which is the right product to use, please ask your vet.
• Ensure pets always have access to shade and fresh drinking water to help keep them cool.
• Put ice cubes into your dog's water bowl or make tasty ice cube treats. You could also freeze a kong with treats and water.
• Give your pet damp towels to lie on (never place a damp towel over your dog as this can trap in heat) or an ice pack wrapped in a towel. Both simple methods could provide welcome relief from the heat.
• Groom them regularly. Regular grooming in warmer weather can help brush away any dead or excess hair, leaving your dog with a less dense coat, which is much better for staying cool.
• Dogs may also appreciate a paddling pool to splash around in, although not all dogs like water, so there's no need to force them if they don't want to.
DON'T
• Never leave dogs in hot cars, conservatories, outbuildings or caravans on a warm day (even if only for a short while). When it's 22°C outside, temperatures can quickly rise to 47°C (117°F) in these environments, which can be fatal.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.